Simple Summary: The concept of ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) was introduced to reduce perioperative morbidity through a multimodal approach. Optimized and shortened perioperative fasting is a fundamental part of this modern concept of perioperative patient management, as prolonged fasting before and after surgery is associated with unfavorable outcomes. So far, it remains unclear whether increasingly established ERAS protocols lead to adequate short fasting intervals in clinical routines. We therefore conducted this prospective multicenter study and collected real-world data from 924 patients to evaluate actual perioperative fasting behavior. Patients reported drastically prolonged perioperative fasting durations. Even longer fasting intervals were reported for oncological and extensive procedures. Our data suggest that modern optimized fasting management is poorly implemented in clinical routine practice. This study should draw attention to the need for adequate implementation of ERAS protocols and sensitize clinicians to appropriate patient education about perioperative fasting.
Background: Despite the key role of optimized fasting in modern perioperative patient management, little current data exist on perioperative fasting intervals in routine clinical practice.
Methods: In this multicenter prospective study, the length of pre- and postoperative fasting intervals was assessed with the use of a specifically developed questionnaire. Between 15 January 2021 and 31 May 2022, 924 gynecology patients were included, from 13 German gynecology departments.
Results: On average, patients remained fasting for about three times as long as recommended for solid foods (17:02 +/- 06:54 h) and about five times as long as recommended for clear fluids (9:21 +/- 5:48 h). The average perioperative fasting interval exceeded one day (28:23 +/- 14:02 h). Longer fasting intervals were observed before and after oncological or extensive procedures, while shorter preoperative fasting intervals were reported in the participating university hospitals. Smoking, treatment in a non-university hospital, an increased Charlson Comorbidity Index and extensive surgery were significant predictors of longer preoperative fasting from solid foods. In general, prolonged preoperative fasting was tolerated well and quality of patient information was perceived as good.
Conclusion: Perioperative fasting intervals were drastically prolonged in this cohort of 924 gynecology patients. Our data indicate the need for better patient education about perioperative fasting.
